WTC Final: “This is not knowing where your off-stump is” – Ravi Shastri’s Stern Remark On Cheteshwar Pujara’s Dismissal

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was critical of Cheteshwar Pujara’s dismissal during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Kennington Oval in London. He expressed that the veteran Team India better should be extremely disappointed with the dismissal on day two of the final.

Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed while leaving an outside off-stump delivery off Cameron Green. The ball pitched around a good length area and nipped back. The Indian batter misjudged the delivery and left his off-stump uncovered. The ball went on to rattle the wickets, leaving Cheteshwar Pujara distraught. He had to walk back to the pavilion for 14 runs.

Earlier in the match, Shubman Gill was also dismissed in a similar fashion by Scott Boland. Analysing their dismissals, former India head coach Ravi Shastri criticised the duo. He added that there was an error in judgement by the batters. Ravi Shastri said,

“That is leaving it poorly because the front foot has just gone across. It should be going towards the ball; he was looking to play it and then decided whether he should leave it. You see, the way he is leaving it, the off-stump is exposed. The front foot is still the middle stump when it’s actually going towards the off stump. Watch that front foot. It should be further across and towards the ball. He thought it was outside the off stump. It was an error in judgment.”

Shubman Gill will learn, but Cheteshwar Pujara will be very disappointed: Ravi Shastri

Former cricketer Ravi Shastri further expressed that in England conditions, a batter must know where the off-stump is. He added that Shubman Gill is young, and will learn with time. However, Shastri stated that Cheteshwar Pujara will be extremely disappointed with the dismissal. Speaking on air, the former cricketer said,

“We talk about leaving the ball in England and we always talk about knowing where your off stump is. This is not knowing where your off-stump is. See, Shubman Gill is a little lazy with his footwork. He will learn; he is still young, but Pujara will be very disappointed seeing that. It should have been a little further towards the ball and across the line of the ball. That’s why they keep telling you – know where your off stump is.”